HR file: The best cost-effective benefits for employees

Think you need to splash the cash to great results? Not so. Perks can be cheap but very effective. Here are our pick of the best.

Perks that say thanks

‘Politeness,’ as the saying goes, ‘costs nothing but gains everything,’ and savvy human resources directors (HRDs) are harnessing the low-cost power of saying thanks.

‘We believe in getting the basics right, which includes treating people as they would treat others,’ says Clare Martin, group HRD at car dealer group Jardine Motors. ‘We recently introduced milestone birthday cards personally signed by the CEO. At most they cost us £500 per year, but where we introduced them first we saw the highest engagement rates (90%+), the highest customer satisfaction rates, and the lowest attrition. When people leave we give “sorry you’re leaving” cards too, and we know it boosts our NPS [net promoter score].’